Broncos vs. 49ers preview: 3-0 SF faces huge pass-rush test

Dustin Judge
Broncos vs. 49ers preview: 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy celebrates at Levi's Stadium

In this Broncos vs. 49ers preview, the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers (3-0) host the Denver Broncos (2-1) on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Kickoff is 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. It pits the NFL’s most sack-proof offense against one of its fiercest pass rushes.

Broncos vs. 49ers preview: game information

Date: Sunday, Oct. 4. Time: 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT). Venue: Levi’s Stadium. TV: CBS, with Kevin Harlan and Trent Green. The 49ers were favored by about 2.5 to 3 points, according to Yardbarker and SI. The teams are tied 8-8 all time, and it is Denver’s first trip to Levi’s Stadium since 2018.

Can Denver’s pass rush get to Brock Purdy?

San Francisco averages 32.7 points per game and has not allowed a sack, Fox Sports reported. Purdy has completed 72.3% of his passes for 789 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. Per CBS Sports, only Purdy and Dan Marino in 1984 have had 10 or more total touchdowns and no sacks taken through three weeks.

Denver has the most sacks in football over the past two seasons, with 76, CBS Sports reported. “He’s playing at a real high level, very decisive,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Purdy. Kyle Shanahan said of Denver coordinator Vance Joseph: “Vance is one of the toughest guys just because he can do anything.”

How both teams arrived

The Broncos vs. 49ers preview starts with last week’s results. San Francisco beat Arizona 36-30. Purdy went 15 of 27 for 297 yards and four touchdowns, and tight end George Kittle caught six passes for 82 yards and two scores. Denver rallied past the Rams 30-26, a game that ended with a disputed pass interference call. Safety Talanoa Hufanga returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, per DenverBroncos.com.

Injuries to watch

The Broncos vs. 49ers preview has to account for a long 49ers injury list. General manager John Lynch said edge rusher Nick Bosa (calf) is unlikely to play. Receiver Mike Evans (ribs) is uncertain, though Lynch said Evans does not want to miss the game. Left tackle Trent Williams (stinger) was expected to be available, Yahoo Sports reported. SI listed linebacker Dre Greenlaw as questionable.

Denver’s report is lighter. Linebacker Dondrea Tillman was listed as questionable and running back Jonah Coleman as out, per SI. Statuses can change before kickoff.

What to watch

If Evans sits, Purdy will lean on Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. The Broncos vs. 49ers preview comes down to whether Denver can pressure Purdy while San Francisco’s own defense may play without Bosa. See also our look at Bo Nix on the NFL Top 100 and Fred Warner’s Top 100 fall.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.